Taylor Cofer
Program: Kayak
Title: Program Director
Courses Taught: AP Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry
Resume:
B.S. in Fermentation Science – Appalachian State University
B.S. in Molecular Biology – Appalachian State University
M.S. in Biology – Western Washington University
Taylor Cofer grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, nestled outside of the Smokey Mountains National Park and the Cumberland Plateau. He learned to paddle when he was eleven at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and hasn’t looked back since. The Southeast provided him a large array of kayaking opportunities from park and play freestyle locations, classic dam release rivers, and creeks to progress in a variety of disciplines.
While attending college at Appalachian State University, to study fermentation science and molecular biology, Taylor’s relationship with river running and creeking blossomed. With the Watauga River just twenty minutes from his house, dawn patrol laps were common before a full day of classes. During this time, he was fortunate to paddle new rivers on the East and West coast of the States and travel internationally to Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
After graduation, Taylor followed his love for kayaking and river exploration before starting a Master of Science program in biology, where his passion for teaching was developed.